Former WBO Featherweight Champion Heather Hardy Facing Retirement Amid Concussion Concerns
Heather Hardy’s Retirement Considerations Due to Concussion Concerns
Heather Hardy, the former WBO featherweight champion, is considering retirement after expressing worries about the cumulative effects of concussions sustained throughout her career.
Hardy, who held the WBO title from 2018 to 2019, last competed in August 2023 against Amanda Serrano, a bout that left her with blurred vision for several days. In a recent social media post, the 42-year-old boxer stated that retirement is now likely due to her concerns about the neurological damage she has endured.
“I’ve had too many concussions. When you have a concussion, a piece of your brain dies, and you never get it back. Imagine that? In ten years, I’ve had too much brain damage. I can’t get any more or else I won’t be able to see. No running, no jogging, no jumping rope, and no getting hit in the head.”
Hardy was scheduled to compete in a Bare Knuckle Boxing Fighting Championship contest on May 11 against Christine Ferea, but she has since withdrawn from the event after suffering vision issues following a sparring session.
“I thought I could make it through the ten-minute fight, but after a very light sparring session, I couldn’t see for two days. I didn’t eat or sleep Friday to Monday, and I knew I was too weak to do this. After finally seeing a doctor, he said I’ve had too many concussions.”
A popular figure on the New York professional boxing scene, Hardy made her professional debut in August 2012 and later made her professional MMA debut in 2017.
“I had to choose between my brain and my fight,” Hardy said. “So I’m blessed to be alive but gutted.”
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